Luisita started its title defense against old rival Canlubang yesterday in the Philippine Airlines Interclub Seniors golf championships at the Mactan golf course in Lapu-Lapu City, a press release from the tournament organizer said.

Luisita won five straight titles from 2001 before Canlubang took seven of the next nine editions.

Gunning for its 16th crown, Luisita is fielding an almost intact lineup but two of its key playersare battling health issues.

Eddie Bagtas, who powered the team to victory in Bacolod last year, skipped practice Wednesday after his blood pressure shot up to 170 over 90.

Pepot Inigo, on the other hand, was still recovering from the flu and might be fielded only in the last two rounds, the press release said.

After an absence of two years, Tommy Manotoc is returning to action for Canlubang, but he may have to bring his A-game to foil Luisita’s bid for back-to-back crowns.

National seniors champion Abe Avena, one of Canlubang’s top gunners, failed to get the doctor’s clearance to play. He suffered a rib injury following a vehicular accident two weeks ago in Manila.

Aside from Bagtas and Inigo, Luisita is made up of Francis Gaston, Richie Garcia, Seve Roxas Chua, Lino Magpantay and Bong Sison.

Manotocwill be backed up by Dave Hernandez, Rolly Viray, Mari Hechanova, Tony Olives, Luigi Yulo, Bing Bunye and Rene Unson.

With both teams nursing personnel problems, the fielding of players will play a vital role in the tournament, the press release also said.

Each team is allowed to field four players each round with the top three scores to count. However, each player is allowed to play only two rounds.

Last year, Luisita overcame a two-point overnight deficit to beat Canlubang by two at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club.

Gaston and Sison starred for Luisita with 51 and 50 points, respectively.

Aside from Mactan, the event will be played at the Club Filipino in Danao. The second and fourth round will be played at Club Filipino.

Luisita team manager Joey Romasanta said his players are in high spirits and are excited to go into battle against Canlubang.

Eighty-nine teams, half of which comes from overseas, are divided into four divisions: Championship, Founders, Sportswriters and Friendship, the press release added.*

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